Dynamic selection and usage of MIMO antenna elements in an electronic device as a function of correlation pattern

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements configured for MIMO communication across a network. One or more sensors detect a triggering event altering a radiation correlation pattern between at least two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements. One or more processors then select, in response to the one or more sensors detecting the triggering event, a quantity of antenna elements from the plurality of antenna elements available for engagement in the MIMO communication across the network as a function of the radiation correlation pattern.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority andbenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 17/551,013,filed Dec. 14, 2021, which is incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly to electronic devices employing multiple input-multipleoutput (MIMO) antenna arrays.

Background Art

Portable electronic communication devices, especially smartphones, havebecome ubiquitous. People all over the world use such devices to stayconnected. Many electronic devices today use MIMO antenna arrays tocommunicate across a network. While MIMO antenna arrays allow forincredibly fast data throughput rates when working optimally, theirperformance can degrade under certain conditions. This degradationresults in a reduction of throughput and in increase in latency. Theseproblems can occur in both the downlink and uplink directions and canresult in increased current drain that reduces the effective run-time ofthe device. It would be advantageous to have an improved electronicdevice capable of mitigating such issues arising in conjunction withMIMO antenna array usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory electronic device in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates one explanatory method in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates another explanatory method in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates one explanatory electronic device presenting a promptin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates one explanatory map of antenna elements in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates one or more explanatory triggering events altering aradiation correlation pattern in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates one or more explanatory method steps in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates one explanatory triggering event and correspondingmethod steps in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates another explanatory triggering event andcorresponding method steps in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate electronic device in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure in an axially displaced openposition.

FIG. 11 illustrates the alternate electronic device of FIG. 10 in aclosed position.

FIG. 12 illustrates still another electronic device in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure in an extended position.

FIG. 13 illustrates the electronic device of FIG. 12 in a closedposition.

FIG. 14 illustrates various embodiments of the disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent disclosure, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to selecting one or more antenna elements of a MIMO antennaarray as a function of a changed radiation correlation pattern betweenat least two antenna elements occurring in response to a triggeringevent. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should beunderstood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code whichinclude one or more executable instructions for implementing specificlogical functions or steps in the process.

Alternate implementations are included, and it will be clear thatfunctions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed,including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending onthe functionality involved. Accordingly, the apparatus components andmethod steps have been represented where appropriate by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure soas not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein.

Embodiments of the disclosure do not recite the implementation of anycommonplace business method aimed at processing business information,nor do they apply a known business process to the particulartechnological environment of the Internet. Moreover, embodiments of thedisclosure do not create or alter contractual relations using genericcomputer functions and conventional network operations. Quite to thecontrary, embodiments of the disclosure employ methods that, whenapplied to electronic device and/or user interface technology, solveproblems specifically arising in the realm of radio frequencycommunications in the context of electronic device communication usingMIMO antenna arrays to provide dynamic MIMO performance optimizationbased upon antenna correlations determined after a triggering event toimprove the functioning of the electronic device itself by and improvingthe overall user experience.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosure describedherein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors andunique stored program instructions that control the one or moreprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processorcircuits, some, most, or all of the functions of increasing a quantityof antenna elements selected from a plurality of antenna elements foruse in MIMO communication across a network when a triggering eventdecreases radiation correlation patterns between at least two antennaelements of the plurality of antenna elements and decreasing thequantity of antenna elements for use in the MIMO communication acrossthe network when the triggering event increases the radiationcorrelation patterns between the at least two antenna elements of theplurality of antenna elements as described herein. The non-processorcircuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radiotransmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, anduser input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as stepsof a method to perform the increase in a quantity of antenna elementsavailable to engage in MIMO communication when, for example, adeformable electronic device is in an axially displaced open positionand decrease the quantity of antenna elements available to engage in theMIMO communication when the electronic device transitions to a closedposition.

Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a statemachine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could beused. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been describedherein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ASICs with minimal experimentation.

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the likemay be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from anotherentity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actualsuch relationship or order between such entities or actions. As usedherein, components may be “operatively coupled” when information can besent between such components, even though there may be one or moreintermediate or intervening components between, or along the connectionpath.

The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” orany other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understoodby one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodimentthe term is defined to be within ten percent, in another embodimentwithin five percent, in another embodiment within one percent and inanother embodiment within one-half percent. The term “coupled” as usedherein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly andnot necessarily mechanically. Also, reference designators shown hereinin parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the onein discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussingfigure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other thanfigure A.

As noted above, the performance of a MIMO antenna array can degradeunder certain conditions. When this occurs, a reduced “rank indicator”or “RI” value, which provides an indication of the number of independentvectors in the MIMO matrix, may become reduced. When the rank indicatordecreases, the network in communication with the electronic deviceutilizing the degraded MIMO antenna array may reduce data block sizesbeing transmitted to the electronic device. This reduction in block sizecan cause throughput to decrease and latency to increase.

The situation can be further exacerbated when the antenna elements ofthe MIMO antenna array become highly correlated. Sometimes highradiation correlation patterns between antenna elements can even cancelout the MIMO functionality. Compounding matters, the issue may becomeworse (and harder to manage) when the number of antenna elements in aMIMO array increases. Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate thatwhile current wireless standards are associated with electronic deviceshaving MIMO antenna arrays having four antenna elements, future MIMOcommunication standards are likely to be operable with electronicdevices employing six, eight, or more antenna elements in a MIMO antennaarray.

When the degradation of a MIMO antenna array occurs due to increasedradiation correlation pattern between antenna elements, the decreasedthroughput and increased latency can occur in both the downlink anduplink directions. As noted above, in a degraded state the communicationdevice of the electronic device and the associated components operatingthe MIMO antenna array can begin to draw increased current, which leadsto decreased run time and a diminished overall user experience. Theincreased current drain results from the communication device andassociated components struggling to operate antenna elements that areactually inefficient due to increased radiation correlation patterns.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a solution to these and othersituations by providing dynamic MIMO antenna array performanceoptimization methods and systems that adjust the number of antennaelements being used in a MIMO antenna array as a function of radiationcorrelation patterns between antenna elements, and in particular changesin radiation correlation patterns between antenna elements that mayoccur in response to a triggering event such as the device changing itsphysical geometry, being placed on a table, or being placed in a purse.

In one or more embodiments, an electronic device includes a MIMO antennaarray comprising a plurality of antenna elements configured for MIMOcommunication across a network. In one or more embodiments, theelectronic device also includes one or more sensors detecting atriggering event altering a radiation correlation pattern between atleast two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements. In oneor more embodiments, the electronic device includes one or moreprocessors that select, in response to the one or more sensors detectingthe triggering event, a quantity of antenna elements from the pluralityof antenna elements to be available for engagement in the MIMOcommunication across the network as a function of the radiationcorrelation pattern.

Illustrating by example, the one or more processors may determine acorrelation score for each antenna element of the plurality of antennaelements in response to the triggering event. This can be done both inan uplink direction and a downlink direction. Antenna elements can beexcluded from engaging in the MIMO communication when the correlationscore for the antenna element is above a first predefined correlationscore threshold. By contrast, when the correlation score falls below asecond predefined correlation score threshold, an antenna element can beincluded in engaging in the MIMO communication across the network, andso forth.

Advantageously, embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronicdevice with one or more processors that dynamically monitor the MIMOperformance of each antenna element in each direction based upon certaintriggered events that are known to significantly impact antennacorrelations, one example of which is a form factor change. In one ormore embodiments, the one or more processors then assign or updatecorrelation scores for each antenna element of the MIMO antenna array inresponse to the triggering event occurring.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors then make adecision regarding whether a particular antenna element is suitable forMIMO performance based on its correlation status relative to otherantenna elements. When the correlation score indicates that anotherantenna element would be better, it gets used. Similarly, if an antennaelement currently in use for MIMO communication across the network issuboptimal based upon the correlation score, it can be removed fromusage.

This dynamic evaluation of each antenna element in the MIMO antennaarray continues in both uplink and downlink directions, with the one ormore processors of the electronic device dynamically maintaining a listof which antenna element are being used for MIMO communication and whichones are precluded from MIMO communication due to high correlationscores with another antenna element. The list maintained by the one ormore processors may be mutually exclusive, meaning the antenna elementsused for MIMO communication may, or may not, be used for spatialdiversity as well and vice-versa.

In one or more embodiments, depending upon the type of triggering event,the one or more processors may assign a predetermined correlation score,may calculate a correlation score, may infer a correlation score, orcombinations thereof, for each antenna element of the MIMO antennaarray. Moreover, the dynamic enhancement methods and systems describedbelow may be extended to apply to technologies other than MIMO antennaarray and MIMO communication, one example of which is evolved-universalterrestrial radio access new radio dual connectivity or “ENDC.”

In one or more embodiments, a method in an electronic device comprisesdetecting, with one or more sensors, a triggering event altering aradiation correlation pattern between at least two antenna elements of aplurality of antenna elements defining a MIMO antenna array. The methodthen includes increasing, using one or more processors in response tothe one or more sensors detecting the triggering event, a quantity ofantenna elements selected from the plurality of antenna elements for usein MIMO communication across a network when the triggering eventdecreases radiation correlation patterns between at least two antennaelements of the plurality of antenna elements and decreasing, againusing the one or more processors in response to the one or more sensorsdetecting the triggering event, the quantity of antenna elements for usein the MIMO communication across the network when the triggering eventincreases the radiation correlation patterns between the at least twoantenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements.

Embodiments of the disclosure advantageously provide techniques forintelligently adapting antenna element use for MIMO communication versusspatial diversity as a function of dynamically evaluating correlationsof antenna element of a MIMO antenna array in response to certaintriggering events known to impact such correlations. Depending upon thetriggering event, correlation scores between antenna element may bepredetermined, inferred, measured, or combinations hereof. When anantenna element has a high correlation with another antenna element, itmay be precluded from engaging in MIMO communication. At the same time,it may still be available for spatial diversity age. Accordingly, in oneor more embodiments there is mutual exclusivity between MIMO and spatialdiversity usage.

Embodiments of the disclosure are particularly beneficial for deformableelectronic devices such as those having a bendable device housing, or afirst device housing joined to a second device housing by a hinge suchthat the first device housing is pivotable about the hinge relative tothe second device housing between an axially displaced open position anda closed position. Since such devices may have two antenna elements inthe first device housing and two antenna elements in the second devicehousing, when the electronic device is in the axially displaced openposition there is generally half-wavelength separation between antennaelements so that all four antenna elements can be used for MIMOcommunication. However, when the first device housing pivots about thehinge relative to the second device housing from the axially displacedopen position to the closed position, the one or more processors candetermine whether correlations between now abutting antenna elementregions increase to the point where usage of some antenna elementsbecomes inefficient. When this occurs, those antenna elements can beremoved from engaging in MIMO communication. While a hinged electronicdevice is one example of an electronic device to which embodiments ofthe disclosure are particularly well suited, others will be describedbelow and include bendable electronic devices, sliding electronicdevices, and other types of electronic devices where a physical formfactor changes.

Thus, in one or more embodiments an electronic device comprises a firstdevice housing pivotable about a hinge relative to a second devicehousing between an axially displaced open position and a closedposition. The electronic device includes a MIMO antenna array comprisinga plurality of antenna elements configured for MIMO communication acrossa network. The electronic device also includes one or more processors.In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors increase aquantity of antenna elements available to engage in the MIMOcommunication when the electronic device is in the axially displacedopen position but decrease the quantity of antenna elements available toengage in the MIMO communication when the electronic device is in theclosed position.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is one explanatoryelectronic device 100 configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. The electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 is aportable electronic device. For illustrative purposes, the electronicdevice 100 is shown as a smartphone. However, the electronic device 100could be any number of other devices as well, including tabletcomputers, gaming devices, multimedia players, and so forth. Still othertypes of electronic devices can be configured in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure as will be readily appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

The electronic device 100 includes a first device housing 102 and asecond device housing 103. In one or more embodiments, a hinge assembly101 couples the first device housing 102 to the second device housing103. In one or more embodiments, the first device housing 102 isselectively pivotable about the hinge assembly 101 relative to thesecond device housing 103. For example, in one or more embodiments thefirst device housing 102 is selectively pivotable about the hingeassembly 101 between a closed position, shown and described below withreference to FIG. 4 , and an axially displaced open position, which isshown in FIG. 1 . In other embodiments the electronic device 100 willinclude no hinge assembly 101, and instead will include a single devicehousing that defines the first device housing 102 and the second devicehousing 103 as a singular, continuous unit without any hinge.

In one or more embodiments the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 are manufactured from a rigid material such as arigid thermoplastic, metal, or composite material, although othermaterials can be used. Still other constructs will be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Inthe illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 100includes a single hinge assembly. However, in other embodiments two ormore hinges can be incorporated into the electronic device 100 to allowit to be folded in multiple locations.

This illustrative electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 includes a display105. The display 105 can optionally be touch-sensitive. In oneembodiment where the display 105 is touch-sensitive, the display 105 canserve as a primary user interface of the electronic device 100. Userscan deliver user input to the display 105 of such an embodiment bydelivering touch input from a finger, stylus, or other objects disposedproximately with the display 105.

In one embodiment, the display 105 is configured as an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display fabricated on a flexible plasticsubstrate, thereby making the display 105 a flexible display 141. Thisallows the display 105 to be flexible so as to deform when the firstdevice housing 102 pivots about the hinge assembly 101 relative to thesecond device housing 103. In one or more embodiments, the OLED displayis constructed on flexible plastic substrates can allow the flexibledisplay 141 to bend with various bending radii.

In one or more embodiments the flexible display 141 may be formed frommultiple layers of flexible material such as flexible sheets of polymeror other materials. In this illustrative embodiment, the flexibledisplay 141 is fixedly coupled to the first device housing 102 and thesecond device housing 103. The flexible display 141 spans the hingeassembly 101 in this illustrative embodiment.

Features can be incorporated into the first device housing 102 and/orthe second device housing 103. Examples of such features include aimager 106 or an optional speaker port 107, which are shown disposed onthe rear side of the electronic device 100 in this embodiment but couldbe placed on the front side as well.

In this illustrative embodiment, a user interface component 108, whichmay be a button or touch sensitive surface, can also be disposed alongthe rear side of the first device housing 102. As noted, any of thesefeatures are shown being disposed on the rear side of the electronicdevice 100 in this embodiment, but could be located elsewhere, such ason the front side in other embodiments. In other embodiments, thesefeatures may be omitted. Other features can be added and can be locatedon the front of one or both of the first device housing 102 and/or thesecond device housing 103, sides of one or both of the first devicehousing 102 and/or the second device housing 103, or in other locationsas well.

A block diagram schematic 104 of the electronic device 100 is also shownin FIG. 1 . The block diagram schematic 104 can be configured as aprinted circuit board assembly disposed within either or both of thefirst device housing 102 or the second device housing 103 of theelectronic device 100. Various components can be electrically coupledtogether by conductors or a bus disposed along one or more printedcircuit boards. For example, some components of the block diagramschematic 104 can be configured as a first electronic circuit fixedlysituated within the first device housing 102, while other components ofthe block diagram schematic 104 can be configured as a second electroniccircuit fixedly situated within the second device housing 103. Aflexible substrate can then span the hinge assembly 101 to electricallycouple the first electronic circuit to the second electronic circuit.

It should be noted that the block diagram schematic 104 includes manycomponents that are optional, but which are included in an effort todemonstrate how varied electronic devices configured in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure can be. Thus, it is to be understood thatthe block diagram schematic 104 of FIG. 1 is provided for illustrativepurposes only and for illustrating components of one electronic device100 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The block diagramschematic 104 of FIG. 1 is not intended to be a complete schematicdiagram of the various components required for an electronic device 100.Therefore, other electronic devices in accordance with embodiments ofthe disclosure may include various other components not shown in FIG. 1or may include a combination of two or more components or a division ofa particular component into two or more separate components, and stillbe within the scope of the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes one ormore processors 109. The one or more processors 109 can be amicroprocessor, a group of processing components, one or moreApplication Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), programmable logic, orother type of processing device. The one or more processors 109 can beoperable with the various components of the electronic device 100. Theone or more processors 109 can be configured to process and executeexecutable software code to perform the various functions of theelectronic device 100. A storage device, such as memory 130, canoptionally store the executable software code used by the one or moreprocessors 109 during operation.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors 109 are furtherresponsible for performing the primary functions of the electronicdevice 100. For example, in one embodiment the one or more processors109 comprise one or more circuits operable to present presentationinformation, such as images, text, and video, on the flexible display141. The executable software code used by the one or more processors 109can be configured as one or more modules 113 that are operable with theone or more processors 109. Such modules 113 can store instructions,control algorithms, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 109 are responsible forrunning the operating system environment 114. The operating systemenvironment 114 can include a kernel, one or more drivers 115, and anapplication service layer 116, and an application layer 117. Theoperating system environment 114 can be configured as executable codeoperating on one or more processors or control circuits of theelectronic device 100.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors 109 areresponsible for managing the applications of the electronic device 100.In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors 109 are alsoresponsible for launching, monitoring and killing the variousapplications and the various application service modules. Theapplications of the application layer 117 can be configured as clientsof the application service layer 116 to communicate with servicesthrough application program interfaces (APIs), messages, events, orother inter-process communication interfaces.

In this illustrative embodiment, the electronic device 100 also includesa communication circuit 118 that can be configured for wired or wirelesscommunication with one or more other devices or networks. The networkscan include a wide area network, a local area network, and/or personalarea network. The communication circuit 118 may also utilize wirelesstechnology for communication, such as, but are not limited to,peer-to-peer or ad hoc communications, and other forms of wirelesscommunication such as infrared technology. The communication circuit 118can include wireless communication circuitry, one of a receiver, atransmitter, or transceiver, and one or more antennas 119.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , the one or more antennas 119comprise a MIMO antenna array 120 comprising a plurality of antennaelements 121,122,123,124 configured for MIMO communication 125 withother remote electronic devices, servers, base stations, and so forth,across a network 126. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , theMIMO antenna array 120 consists of four antenna elements121,122,123,124, with a first antenna element 121 being positioned in anupper righthand corner (as viewed in FIG. 1 ) of the first devicehousing 102 and a second antenna element 122 being positioned in aleft-hand corner of the first device housing 102. A third antennaelement 123 is positioned at the lower righthand corner of the seconddevice housing 103, while a fourth antenna element 124 is positioned atthe lower left-hand corner of the second device housing 103.

While four antenna elements 121,122,123,124 are shown as defining theMIMO antenna array 120 in FIG. 1 , it should be noted that embodimentsof the disclosure, and in particular dynamic MIMO antenna arrayoptimization techniques, are not limited to only MIMO antenna arrayshaving four antenna elements. While MIMO antenna arrays including fourantenna elements are commonly utilized in electronic devices such assmartphones today, embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that soonelectronic devices will be equipped with six antenna element, eightantenna element, or higher numbers of antenna element defining MIMOantenna arrays in the future. Accordingly, while a four-antenna elementMIMO antenna array is used illustratively to explain how dynamicoptimization of such a MIMO antenna array can work, it will be obviousto those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure that these dynamic optimization techniques can equally beapplied—and likely to produce even more benefits—in MIMO systems havingmore than six antenna elements.

The effectiveness of each antenna element 121,122,123,124 to engage inMIMO communication 125 across the network 126 is determined by a numberof factors, with the primary two being correlation and polarity. MIMOantenna arrays work by transmitting and receiving multiple data streamsat the same time. Hence the name, “multiple input, multiple output”antenna array. For this to occur, the MIMO antenna array 120 must becomprised of a plurality of antenna elements.

For the “MIMO” communication to occur, each antenna element121,122,123,124 should be at least somewhat electromagnetically“independent” from the other antenna elements. One certain way to dothis is to ensure that each antenna element 121,122,123,124 isphysically separated from the other antenna elements by a distance equalor greater than a half wavelength of a frequency of interest, which inthis application is a frequency of a MIMO communication signal 127 ofthe MIMO communication 125. When this occurs, two antenna elements,e.g., antenna element 121 and antenna element 123, are considered tohave good “isolation” and therefore not be “correlated.” Saiddifferently, the correlation of the radiation patterns between the twoantenna elements 121,123 is low. It is for this reason that designersoften position antenna elements of a MIMO antenna array at oppositephysical end of and electronic device.

However, in the example of FIG. 1 , when the first device housing 102pivots about the hinge assembly 101 relative to the second devicehousing 103 from the axially displaced open position of FIG. 1 to theclosed position of FIG. 4 , this half-wavelength separation no longeroccurs. This is due to the fact that, for example, the portion of thefirst device housing 102 housing antenna element 121 abuts the portionof the second device housing 103 housing antenna element 123. Collapsingthe physical distance between antenna element 121 and antenna element123 from what was a half-wavelength or greater distance to one that ismuch smaller can cause the antenna elements 121,123 to become highlycorrelated. Said differently, the correlation of the radiation patternsbetween the two antenna elements 121,123 becomes high. Accordingly, thispivoting of the first device housing 102 about the hinge assembly 101relative to the second device housing 103 is known as a “triggeringevent” in that when it occurs, the correlation between any two antennaelements 121,122,123,124 of the MIMO antenna array 120 can change.

Triggering events can take a variety of forms. Turning briefly to FIG. 6, illustrated therein are a few examples. A first example of atriggering event 601 is a change in form factor experienced by anelectronic device. Using the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 , thistriggering event 601 can occur any time the first device housing (102)pivots about the hinge assembly (101) relative to the second devicehousing (103) between an axially displaced open position and a closedposition. This triggering event 601 can occur in other ways as well.Illustrating by example, as will be described below with reference toFIGS. 10-11 , in situations where an electronic device includes a singledevice housing that is deformable, this triggering event 601 can occurwhen a portion of a device housing deforms, thereby changing the spatialrelationship between a first device housing portion and a second devicehousing portion. As will be described below with reference to FIGS.12-13 , this triggering event 601 can also occur in a sliding electronicdevice when a first device housing slides relative to a second devicehousing. Other examples of a triggering event 601 changing a form factorof an electronic device will be obvious to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure.

A second example of a triggering event 602 is the placement of anelectronic device against a surface or other object. Illustrating byexample, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 8 , placementof an electronic device on a metal table or other surface can greatlychange the correlation between antenna elements of a MIMO antenna array.Similarly, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 ,placement of an electronic device in a pocket or purse where theelectronic device is adjacent to keys and other metal objects can changethe correlations between antenna elements as well.

Triggering events can take other forms as well, with the third exampleof a triggering event 603 including miscellaneous actions that can alterthe correlation between one or more embodiments antenna elements of aMIMO antenna array. Illustrating by example, placing an electronicdevice inside a drawer or in a cabinet might constitute one suchtriggering event 603. Similarly, placing an electronic device nearmagnets or other electromagnetic elements may constitute such atriggering event 603. Other examples of such miscellaneous triggeringevents 603 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now back to FIG. 1 , in one or more embodiments when such atriggering event occurs, a MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 selectsa quantity of antenna elements from the plurality of antenna elements121,122,123,124 available for use in MIMO communication activities toengage in the MIMO communication 125 across the network 126. In one ormore embodiments, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 does this asa function of a radiation correlation pattern that indicates an amountof correlation between two or more antenna element of the MIMO antennaarray 120.

The MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 can be configured as a hardwaremodule operable with the one or more processors 109 in one or moreembodiments. In other embodiments, the MIMO antenna correlation manager128 is configured as software or firmware operating on the one or moreprocessors 109. In still other embodiments, the MIMO antenna correlationmanager 128 is configured as a hardware component integrated within theone or more processors 109. Other configurations for the MIMO antennacorrelation manager 128 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128determines a correlation score for each antenna element 121,122,123,124of the MIMO antenna array 120 in response to one or more sensors 129detecting a triggering event, one example of which occurs when the firstdevice housing 102 pivots about the hinge assembly 101 relative to thesecond device housing between an axially displaced open position to aclosed position, or to positions therebetween. In one or moreembodiments, the correlation score, when low, indicates that comparedantenna element of the MIMO antenna array 120 have radiation patternsthat are different and uncorrelated, thereby indicating that aparticular antenna element has good “isolation” relative to anotherantenna element. By contrast, when the correlation score is high betweencompared antenna elements, this means that their radiation patterns arehighly correlated and may even being effectively the same. When thisoccurs, MIMO functionality decreases or is unavailable.

The determination of a correlation score can occur in a number ofdifferent ways. Effectively, the correlation score is a metricindicating whether radiation patterns of two antenna element are highlycorrelated. Illustrating by example, the correlation score can include adetermination of an envelope correlation coefficient indicating the lackof a radiation correlation pattern between two compared antennaelements. If, for example, one antenna element is horizontally polarizedand another antenna element is vertically polarized, their correlationscore would be small or zero due to the fact that the radiationcorrelation pattern between the two elements is small or zero.Alternatively, if one antenna element has a radiation pattern directedin one direction, with another antenna element having a radiationpattern directed in the opposite direction, the correlation score wouldalso be zero due to no radiation correlation pattern between thecompared antenna elements.

In one or more embodiments, the correlation score is mathematicallycomputed, inferred, or even assigned as a function of form factor, forexample, in response to the one or more sensors 129 detecting atriggering event. Where calculated, the correlation score can be definedmathematically using spherical coordinates in a vector function. Thisfunction can indicate elevation, azimuth, and tilt of a radiationpattern for each antenna element. This function can also indicatepolarization of the electric field of the radiation pattern of eachantenna element. Each function can vary across its shape and can have anassociated polarization therewith. Two functions can be comparedmathematically to determine how correlated radiation patterns are, or,whether there is a significant radiation correlation pattern betweencompared antenna element. The closer the correlation score gets to 1.0the more correlated two antenna elements are, while lesser correlatedantenna elements have scores closers to 0.0. Perfectly correlatedantenna elements have a correlation score of 1.0, while perfectlyuncorrelated antenna elements have a correlation score of 0.0.

While mathematical computation is one way to determine the correlationscore, in other embodiments the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128either infers the correlation score or assigns it based upon otherinputs. Illustrating by example, experimental testing in the lab mayprovide a table of expected correlation scores as a function of devicegeometry or device environment that can be stored in a memory 130 of theelectronic device 100. If the electronic device 100 is in the axiallydisplaced open position, this corresponds to one correlation scorebetween antenna elements, while a closed position corresponds to anothercorrelation score between antenna elements. Similarly, when theelectronic device 100 is situated in free space one correlation scorebetween antenna elements may be expected, while another correlationscore is expected when the electronic device 100 is situated on a metaltable.

The MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 may infer the correlation scoreas well. Illustrating by example, if a correlation score is knownbetween antenna elements when the electronic device 100 is in theaxially displaced open position, and another when the electronic device100 is in the closed position, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128may infer values therebetween as the electronic device transitionsbetween the axially displaced open position and the closed position, andso forth. In one or more embodiments, the MIMO antenna correlationmanager 128 determines the correlation score for each antenna element121,122,123,124 in both an uplink direction and a downlink direction.

Polarization of each antenna element 121,122,123,124 can be important aswell in determining the correlation score. Illustrating by example, ifthere is more than one half wavelength of physical separation betweenantenna elements, this constitutes “natural separation” between thoseantenna elements. Accordingly, the antenna elements are considered“isolated” and “uncorrelated” even if the polarization is similar. Thus,even if the polarization is similar, both antenna element may be usefulin MIMO communication.

By contrast, when there is less than one half wavelength of physicalseparation between antenna element, one may ordinarily think of theseantenna elements having a significant radiation correlation pattern.However, if the polarity is sufficiently different, the antenna elementmay still be sufficiently isolated and uncorrelated so as to be usefulin MIMO communication.

Thus, in one or more embodiments the MIMO antenna correlation manager128 selects a quantity of antenna element from the available antennaelements 121,122,123,124 for engagement in the MIMO communication 125across the network 126. For instance, in one or more embodiments theMIMO antenna correlation manager 128 excludes an antenna element in thequantity of antenna elements engaged in the MIMO communication 125across the network 126 when the correlation score for the antennaelement is above a first predefined correlation score threshold. Bycontrast, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 may include anantenna element in the quantity of antenna elements engaged in the MIMOcommunication 125 across the network 126 when the correlation scorefalls below a predefined correlation score threshold.

Illustrating by example, presume that initially the network 126 assignsthe electronic device a rank indicator of four, which means that thenetwork architecture expects the communication circuit 118 of theelectronic device 100 to communicate with all four antenna elements121,122,123,124 due to the fact that the electronic device 100 is in theaxially displaced open position of FIG. 1 , thereby providing adequateisolation between antenna elements. Now consider the situation thatoccurs when the first device housing 102 pivots about the hinge assembly101 relative to the second device housing 103 to the closed position.This may cause, for example, the correlation score between antennaelement 121 and antenna element 123 to increase above a predefinedcorrelation score threshold. Accordingly, the MIMO antenna correlationmanager 128 may exclude antenna element 121 from engaging in the MIMOcommunication 125 across the network 126. Similarly, if the triggeringevent transitioning the electronic device 100 from the axially displacedopen position to the closed position causes the correlation scorebetween antenna element 122 and antenna element 124 to increase above apredefined correlation score threshold, the MIMO antenna correlationmanager 128 may preclude antenna element 124 from engaging in the MIMOcommunication 125 across the network 126.

If, however, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 is thereafter ableto sufficiently alter the polarization of antenna element 124 orotherwise retune the antenna element 124 by continually measuring itsimpedance and/or isolation relative to other antenna elements such thatthe correlation score between antenna element 121 and antenna element124 falls below another predefined correlation score threshold, the MIMOantenna correlation manager 128 may again include antenna element 124 inthe quantity of antenna elements engaged in the MIMO communication 125across the network 126. Illustrating by example, the MIMO antennacorrelation manager 128 may continue to measure the isolation between,or among, a set of antenna elements and/or measure the impedance of theantenna elements to use such measurements for tuning purposes to tuneone or more antenna elements to alter the isolation. When this is done,the correlation score between antenna element 121 and antenna element124 may fall below the other predefined correlation score threshold,thereby allowing MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 to again include,for example, antenna element 124 in the quantity of antenna elementsengaged in the MIMO communication 125 across the network 126.

The first predefined correlation score threshold above which one or moreantenna elements get excluded from engaging in the MIMO communication125 across the network 126, and the second predefined correlation scorethreshold below which one or more antenna elements are included inengaging in the MIMO communication 125 across the network 126 can be thesame or different. Illustrating by example, in one or more embodimentstwo antenna elements are uncorrelated if separated by a half wavelengthor more and are included in engaging in the MIMO communication 125across the network 126. Otherwise, they are not. Hence, the firstpredefined correlation score threshold above which one or more antennaelements get excluded from engaging in the MIMO communication 125 acrossthe network 126, and the second predefined correlation score thresholdbelow which one or more antenna elements are included in engaging in theMIMO communication 125 across the network 126 would be the same.

However, when the correlation score takes into account other factorssuch as direction of radiation pattern and/or polarization in additionto physical separation, the first predefined correlation score thresholdabove which one or more antenna elements get excluded from engaging inthe MIMO communication 125 across the network 126, and the secondpredefined correlation score threshold below which one or more antennaelements are included in engaging in the MIMO communication 125 acrossthe network 126 can be different. An antenna element may be included inengaging in the MIMO communication 125 across the network 126 when thepredefined correlation score threshold is below, say, 0.3 with anotherantenna element, while the same antenna element may be precluded fromengaging in the MIMO communication 125 across the network 126 when thepredefined correlation score threshold is above, say, 0.7 relative toanother antenna element. These examples of predefined correlation scorethresholds are illustrative only, as numerous others will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128includes an antenna element in the quantity of antenna elements when thecorrelation score for the antenna element is at least one-halfwavelength of a MIMO communication signal 127 of the MIMO communication125 different from other correlation scores of other antenna elementsincluded with the quantity of antenna elements. These variouscorrelation scores can be used to create a map 131 of antenna elementavailable to engage in the MIMO communication 125 stored in the memory130 of the electronic device 100. One example of such a map 131 is shownin FIG. 7 .

Turning briefly to FIG. 7 , the map 131 lists a number of antennaelement engaging in MIMO communication (125) across a network (126). Inone or more embodiments, the map 131 lists such a number in both theuplink direction 501 and in the downlink direction 502. In theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 5 , the map 131 includes a MIMO antennalist 503 for the uplink direction indicating that antenna elements(122,123,124) are engaged in the MIMO communication (125) across thenetwork (126) in the uplink direction 501. The map also includes anotherMIMO antenna list 504 indicating that antenna elements (121,123,124) areengaged in the MIMO communication (125) across the network (126) in thedownlink direction 502.

In one or more embodiments, the MIMO antenna correlation manager (128)continually and dynamically update the map 131 in response to one ormore sensors (129) of the electronic device (100) detecting triggeringevents. Accordingly, the MIMO antenna correlation manager (128) mayupdate the map 131 when selecting the quantity of antenna elementsavailable for engagement in the MIMO communication (125) across thenetwork (126) by replacing a first antenna element in the quantity ofantenna elements with a second antenna element having a lowercorrelation with other antenna elements included in the quantity ofantenna elements, and so forth. Thus, in one or more embodiments theMIMO antenna correlation manager (128) updates, in the memory (130) ofthe electronic device (100), the map 131 of antenna elements availablefor engagement in the MIMO communication (125).

Turning now back to FIG. 1 , the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128may also maintain a table 132 of correlation scores for each antennaelement 121,122,123,124 of the MIMO antenna array 120 relative to eachother antenna element 121,122,123,124 as well. In one or moreembodiments, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 dynamicallymaintains this table 132 of correlation scores by updating eachcorrelation score in response to the one or more sensors 129 detecting atriggering event.

As noted above, one or more sensors 129 can be included to detecttriggering events affecting the radiation correlation patterns betweenantenna element 121,122,123,124 of the MIMO antenna array 120. In one ormore embodiments, the one or more sensors 129 include one or more formfactor sensors 133 configured to detect changes in a physical formfactor of the electronic device 100.

Illustrating by example, in one embodiment, the one or more form factorsensors 133 comprise one or more flex sensors 134, operable with the oneor more processors 109, to detect a bending operation that causes thefirst device housing 102 to pivot about the hinge assembly 101 relativeto the second device housing 103, thereby transforming the electronicdevice 100 into a deformed geometry. In one or more embodiments, the oneor more flex sensors 134 can detect initiation of the first devicehousing 102 pivoting, bending, or deforming about the hinge assembly 101relative to the second device housing 103. The one or more flex sensors134, where included, can take various forms.

In one or more embodiments, one or more flex sensors 134 comprisepassive resistive devices manufactured from a material with an impedancethat changes when the material is bent, deformed, or flexed. Bydetecting changes in the impedance as a function of resistance, the oneor more processors 109 can use the one or more flex sensors to detectbending or flexing. In one or more embodiments, each flex sensorcomprises a bi-directional flex sensor that can detect flexing orbending in two directions. In one embodiment, the one or more flexsensors 134 have an impedance that increases in an amount that isproportional with the amount it is deformed or bent.

In one embodiment, each flex sensor is manufactured from a series oflayers combined together in a stacked structure. In one embodiment, atleast one layer is conductive, and is manufactured from a metal foilsuch as copper. A resistive material provides another layer. Theselayers can be adhesively coupled together in one or more embodiments.The resistive material can be manufactured from a variety of partiallyconductive materials, including paper-based materials, plastic-basedmaterials, metallic materials, and textile-based materials. In oneembodiment, a thermoplastic such as polyethylene can be impregnated withcarbon or metal so as to be partially conductive, while at the same timebeing flexible.

In one embodiment, the resistive layer is sandwiched between twoconductive layers. Electrical current flows into one conductive layer,through the resistive layer, and out of the other conductive layer. Asthe flex sensor bends, the impedance of the resistive layer changes,thereby altering the flow of current for a given voltage. The one ormore processors 109 can detect this change to determine that bending isoccurring. Taps can be added along each flex sensor to determine otherinformation, including the number of folds, the degree of each fold, thelocation of the folds, the direction of the folds, and so forth. Theflex sensor can further be driven by time-varying signals to increasethe amount of information obtained from the flex sensor as well.

While a multi-layered device as a flex sensor is one configurationsuitable for detecting a bending operation occurring to deform theelectronic device 100, the one or more form factor sensors 133 caninclude other devices as well. For instance, a magnet can be placed inthe first device housing 102 while a magnetic sensor is placed in thesecond device housing 103, or vice versa. The magnetic sensor could beHall-effect sensor, a giant magnetoresistance effect sensor, a tunnelmagnetoresistance effect sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor,or other type of sensor.

In still other embodiments, the one or more form factor sensors 133 cancomprise an inductive coil placed in the first device housing 102 and apiece of metal placed in the second device housing 103, or vice versa.When the metal gets closer to, or farther from, the coil, the one ormore form factor sensors 133 detect that a bending operation isoccurring.

In other embodiments the one or more form factor sensors 133 cancomprise an inertial motion unit situated in the first device housing102 and another inertial motion unit situated in the second devicehousing 103. The one or more processors 109 can compare motion sensorreadings from each inertial motion unit to detect movement of the firstdevice housing 102 relative to the second device housing 103, as well asthe orientation of the first device housing 102 and the second devicehousing 103 relative to the direction of gravity. This data can be usedto detect a triggering event in the form of a bending operationoccurring between the first device housing 102 and the second devicehousing 103.

Where included in the one or more form factor sensors 133, each inertialmotion unit can comprise a combination of one or more accelerometers,one or more gyroscopes, and optionally one or more magnetometers, todetermine the orientation, angular velocity, and/or specific force ofone or both of the first device housing 102 or the second device housing103. When included in the electronic device 100, these inertial motionunits can be used as orientation sensors to measure movement of one orboth of the first device housing 102 or the second device housing 103 inthree-dimensional space. Similarly, the inertial motion units can beused as orientation sensors to measure the motion of one or both of thefirst device housing 102 or second device housing 103 inthree-dimensional space. The inertial motion units can be used to makeother measurements as well.

Where only one inertial motion unit is included in the first devicehousing 102, this inertial motion unit is configured to determine anorientation, which can include measurements of azimuth, plumb, tilt,velocity, angular velocity, acceleration, and angular acceleration, ofthe first device housing 102. Similarly, where two inertial motion unitsare included, with one inertial motion unit being situated in the firstdevice housing 102 and another inertial motion unit being situated inthe second device housing 103, each inertial motion unit determinesmotion of its respective device housing is occurring. Inertial motionunit can determine measurements of azimuth, plumb, tilt, velocity,angular velocity, acceleration, angular acceleration, and so forth ofthe first device housing 102, while inertial motion unit can determinemeasurements of azimuth, plumb, tilt, velocity, angular velocity,acceleration, angular acceleration, and so forth of the second devicehousing 103, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, each inertial motion unit delivers theseorientation measurements to the one or more processors 109 in the formof orientation determination signals. Thus, the inertial motion unitsituated in the first device housing 102 outputs a first orientationdetermination signal comprising the determined orientation of the firstdevice housing 102, while the inertial motion unit situated in thesecond device housing 103 outputs another orientation determinationsignal comprising the determined orientation of the second devicehousing 103.

In one or more embodiments, the orientation determination signals aredelivered to the one or more processors 109, which report the determinedorientations to the various modules, components, and applicationsoperating on the electronic device 100, one example of which is the MIMOantenna correlation manager 128. In one or more embodiments, the one ormore processors 109 can be configured to deliver a composite orientationthat is an average or other combination of the orientation oforientation determination signals indicative of a triggering event tothe MIMO antenna correlation manager 128. In other embodiments, the oneor more processors 109 are configured to deliver one or the otherorientation determination signal to the MIMO antenna correlation manager128, and so forth.

Still other sensors 129 operable to detect triggering events cancomprise proximity sensors that detect movement of a first end of theelectronic device 100 relative to a second end of the electronic device100. Other examples of the sensors 129 operable to detect triggeringevents will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the imager 106 can be used to identifytriggering events. Recall from the discussion of FIG. 6 above thatanother triggering event is placement of the electronic device 100 on ametal table or other surface. The imager 106 can capture images of thetable or surface approaching the exterior surfaces of the electronicdevice 100 to identify such a triggering event.

In one or more embodiments, when the one or more sensors 129 detect atriggering event altering a radiation correlation pattern between atleast two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements definingthe MIMO antenna array 120, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128selects a quantity of antenna element from the plurality of antennaelement for engagement in the MIMO communication 125 across the network126. The MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 may increase, using theone or more processors 109 in response to the one or more sensors 129detecting the triggering event, a quantity of antenna elements selectedfrom the plurality of antenna elements for use in the MIMO communication125 across the network 126 when the triggering event decreases radiationcorrelation patterns between at least two antenna elements of theplurality of antenna elements. Alternatively, the MIMO antennacorrelation manager 128 may decrease, using the one or more processors109 in response to the one or more sensors 129 detecting the triggeringevent, the quantity of antenna elements for use in the MIMOcommunication 125 across the network 126 when the triggering eventincreases the radiation correlation patterns between the at least twoantenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements.

In one or more embodiments, the increasing occurs when the triggeringevent decreases the radiation correlation pattern between the at leasttwo antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements by at least ahalf wavelength of a MIMO communication signal 127 used for the MIMOcommunication 125 across the network 126. In one or more embodiments,the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 further determines apolarization of the at least two antenna elements and increases thequantity of antenna element engaged in the MIMO communication 125 acrossthe network 126 when the triggering event decreases the radiationcorrelation pattern between the at least two antenna elements, but onlywhen a first polarization of a first antenna element is rotated relativeto a second polarization of a second antenna element by at least apredefined rotation threshold such as ninety degrees.

In one or more embodiments, the imager 106 is configured as anintelligent imager. Where configured as an intelligent imager, theimager 106 can capture one or more images of environments about theelectronic device 100 to determine whether the object matchespredetermined criteria. For example, the imager 106 can operate as anidentification module configured with optical recognition such as imagerecognition, character recognition, visual recognition, facialrecognition, color recognition, shape recognition and the like.Advantageously, the imager 106 can use these processes to identifytriggering events, whether they are changes in form factor of theelectronic device 100, the electronic device 100 being placed on asurface, in a pocket, in a purse, or in another environment.

In one or more embodiments, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 isconfigured to generate estimates, with one or more processors 109, of anamount of correlation between antenna elements 121,122,123,124 of theMIMO antenna array 120 by comparing least one image captured by theimager 106 to at least one other image to determine how one or moreconditions of the electronic device 100 have changed. In one or moreembodiments, the MIMO antenna correlation manager 128 determines aradiation correlation pattern between antenna elements when, forexample, the first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103pivot about the hinge assembly 101 between the axially displaced openposition and the closed position. From this information, the MIMOantenna correlation manager 128 can select a quantity of antennaelements for engagement in the MIMO communication 125 across the network126.

Other components 135 of the electronic device 100 may include amicrophone, an earpiece speaker, a loudspeaker, key selection sensors, atouch pad sensor, a touch screen sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, andone or more switches. Touch sensors may be used to indicate whether anyof the user actuation targets present on the flexible display 141 arebeing actuated. Alternatively, touch sensors disposed along the firstdevice housing 102 and/or the second device housing 103 can be used todetermine whether the electronic device 100 is being touched at sideedges or major faces of the electronic device 100 by a surface, hands,keys, or other objects. The touch sensors can include surface and/orhousing capacitive sensors in one embodiment.

The other components 135 can also include motion detectors, such as oneor more accelerometers or gyroscopes. For example, an accelerometer maybe embedded in the electronic circuitry of the electronic device 100 toshow vertical orientation, constant tilt and/or whether the electronicdevice 100 is stationary. The measurement of tilt relative to gravity isreferred to as “static acceleration,” while the measurement of motionand/or vibration is referred to as “dynamic acceleration.” A gyroscopecan be used in a similar fashion. In one embodiment the motion detectorsare also operable to detect movement, and direction of movement, of theelectronic device 100 by a user.

In one or more embodiments, the other components 135 include a gravitydetector. For example, as one or more accelerometers and/or gyroscopesmay be used to show vertical orientation, constant, or a measurement oftilt relative to gravity. The other components 135 operable with the oneor more processors 109 can include output components such as videooutputs, audio outputs, and/or mechanical outputs. Examples of outputcomponents include audio outputs, an earpiece speaker, haptic devices,or other alarms and/or buzzers and/or a mechanical output component suchas vibrating or motion-based mechanisms. Still other components will beobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

It is to be understood that FIG. 1 is provided for illustrative purposesonly and for illustrating components of one electronic device 100 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to bea complete schematic diagram of the various components required for anelectronic device. Therefore, other electronic devices in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure may include various other componentsnot shown in FIG. 1 or may include a combination of two or morecomponents or a division of a particular component into two or moreseparate components, and still be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , illustrated therein are one or more method stepsillustrating how the components of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1can be used to perform dynamic MIMO antenna array (120) performanceoptimization based upon correlations between antenna elements(121,122,123,124) of the MIMO antenna array (120). Beginning at step201, a communication circuit (118) of the electronic device 100 is incommunication with a terrestrial cellular tower 207 operated by anetwork service provider operating a communication network 126. Asshown, the electronic device 100 is in the axially displaced openposition. Accordingly, the separation between each antenna element(121,122,123,124) defining the MIMO antenna array (120) of theelectronic device 100 has more than a half-wavelength of separation andis isolated. When in this configuration, the one or more processors(109) of the electronic device 100 select a quantity of antenna elementsthat includes all four antenna elements (121,122,123,124) to engage inMIMO communication 125 with the terrestrial cellular tower 207. In oneor more embodiments, when this occurs and the electronic device 100initiates the MIMO communication 125, the network service providerassigns 208 the electronic device 100 a rank indicator 209 of four dueto the fact that there is enough spatial diversity between antennaelement (121,122,123,124) that four streams of MIMO communication 125can be transmitted and received across the network 126.

At step 202, an authorized user 210 of the electronic device 100transitions the electronic device 100 from the axially displaced openposition of step 201 to the closed position of step 203. As previouslyexplained, this results in less than a half-wavelength of separationbetween antenna element (121) and antenna element (123), and alsobetween antenna element (122) and antenna element 124). At step 203, oneor more sensors (129) of the electronic device 100 detect thistriggering event 211 as altering a radiation correlation pattern betweenat least two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements(121,122,123,124) defining the MIMO antenna array (120).

At step 205, one or more processors (109) of the electronic device 100select, in response to the one or more sensors (129) detecting thetriggering event 211 at step 204, a quantity of antenna elements fromthe plurality of antenna elements (121,122,123,124) available forengagement in the MIMO communication 125 across the network 126 as afunction of the radiation correlation pattern. This step 205 can includeincreasing a quantity of antenna elements selected from the plurality ofantenna elements (121,122,123,124) for use in the MIMO communication 125across the network 126 when the triggering event 211 decreases radiationcorrelation patterns between at least two antenna elements of theplurality of antenna elements, or decreasing the quantity of antennaelements for use in the MIMO communication 125 across the network 126when the triggering event 211 increases the radiation correlationpatterns between the at least two antenna elements of the plurality ofantenna elements (121,122,123,124), as previously described.

In this illustrative example, all four antenna elements(121,122,123,124) were engaged in the MIMO communication 125 across thenetwork 126 at step 201. However, at step 203 the correlation betweenantenna element (121) and antenna element (123) has increased, as hasthe correlation between antenna element (122) and antenna element (124).Accordingly, at step 205 the one or more processors (109) of theelectronic device 100 determine a correlation score for each antennaelement of the plurality of antenna elements (121,122,123,124) inresponse to the one or more sensors (129) detecting the triggering event211 at step 204. In one or more embodiments, step 205 comprises the oneor more processors (109) determining the correlation score for eachantenna element of the plurality of antenna elements (121,122,123,124)in both an uplink direction and a downlink direction and comparing thesecorrelation scores to one or more predefined correlation scorethresholds.

In this illustrative example, the correlation score between antennaelement (121) and antenna element (123) has increased above a firstpredefined correlation score threshold. Accordingly, the one or moreprocessors (109) of the electronic device 100 preclude one of theseantenna elements (121,123) from engaging in the MIMO communication 125across the network 126. While either could be selected, in this examplethe one or more processors (109) preclude antenna element (123) fromengaging in the MIMO communication 125 across the network 126. Since thecorrelation score between antenna element (122) and antenna element(124) has also exceeded this first predefined correlation scorethreshold, the one or more processors (109) similarly preclude antennaelement (122) from engaging in the MIMO communication 125 across thenetwork 126.

At step 206, the one or more processors (109) of the electronic device100 optionally repeat the method steps of FIG. 2 to continually, anddynamically, optimize the performance of the MIMO antenna array (120)and/or perform one or more post optimization operations. Repeating themethod steps ensures that the MIMO antenna array (120) continues to beoptimized in response to each and every triggering event, therebyupdating the correlation scores for each antenna element in response toeach triggering event to determine whether a particular antenna elementis suitable for engagement in the MIMO communication 125 across thenetwork 126 in real time. If a better antenna element exists after atriggering event, it gets assigned to MIMO communication usage.Similarly, if an antenna element in use is suboptimal based upon theevaluation occurring at step 205, it is de-assigned from MIMOcommunication usage. Since this flow can repeat in each direction, i.e.,uplink and downlink, the MIMO antenna map (131) can be maintaineddynamically.

The post optimization operations of step 206 can take different forms.Turning now to FIG. 7 , illustrated therein are a few such options.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors (109) of theelectronic device (100) can notify 701 the network service provider thata different number of antenna element are now being used to engage inthe MIMO communication (125) across the network (126). This would allow,for example, the network service provider to change the rank indexassigned to the electronic device (100)—using the example from FIG. 2above—from four to two.

While this is one viable option, embodiments of the disclosurecontemplate that in many situations an electronic device will not electto notify 701 the network service provider each time a triggering eventalters the radiation correlation pattern of the antenna element defininga MIMO antenna array. This is true because unnecessary ping-pongingbetween the electronic device (100) and the network service provider mayactually degrade communication efficiency more than, say, simplycommunicating with two antenna elements despite being assigned a rankindicator of four. If the triggering event is the transition of anelectronic device from an axially displaced open position to a closedposition, this may occur repeatedly within a short time span, leavingnotification 701 unnecessary.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors (109) of the electronicdevice (100) can initiate a timer 702. Embodiments of the disclosurecontemplate that some conditions may last longer than others. A personmay flip an electronic device open and closed quickly. By contrast, aperson may place an electronic device on a metal table and leave itthere for a long time. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments the oneor more processors (109) of the electronic device (100) initiate a timer702 in response to performing a MIMO antenna array optimization. Whenthe timer 702 expires, the one or more processors (109) may concludethat the condition resulting from the triggering event will last for awhile. Accordingly, the one or more processors (109) may then takeanother action such as notifying 701 the network service provider thatthere has been a change in the number of antenna element engaged in theMIMO communication (125) across the network (126).

In a similar manner to initiating a timer 702, the one or moreprocessors (109) of the electronic device (100) may use the one or moresensors (129) to monitor for an event 703 indicating that the recentlyapplied MIMO antenna array optimization may be transitory or longerlasting. Illustrating by example, if two antenna elements of a MIMOantenna array become correlated due to an electronic device being placednear a metal object, the one or more processors (109) may use the one ormore sensors (129) to monitor for motion, changes in temperature,changes in light incident upon the device housing of the electronicdevice, and so forth to determine whether the present condition willlast. If, for instance, the electronic device is moving, this may meanthat it is in a purse adjacent to keys, which suggests a shorterduration of the recently applied MIMO antenna array optimization due tothe fact that a user may pull the electronic device from the purse forusage. By contrast, when the electronic device is stationary against acold surface such as a metal table, this may indicate that theelectronic device has been placed on a surface while the user issleeping, for instance, thus indicating that the recently applied MIMOantenna array optimization will be in effect for a longer period oftime.

The one or more processors (109) of the electronic device (100) mayalter the rank indicator 704 or other user equipment capability messagein response to the recently applied MIMO antenna array optimization.Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that when a rank indicator 704is greater than the number of antenna elements in use for MIMOcommunication, latency will increase, and throughput will decrease.However, since the one or more processors (109) are aware of thequantity of antenna elements engaged in the MIMO communication (125)across the network (126), they can cause the operating componentsassociated with the unused antenna elements, e.g., signal drivers,amplifiers, and so forth, to enter a low-power or sleep mode. Thus, byleaving the rank indicator 704 alone, while communication may be a bitslower the one or more processors (109) can advantageously extend theruntime of the device. In other scenarios where communication speed isparamount, the one or more processors (109) may alter the rank indicator704 or other messaging in response to the recently applied MIMO antennaarray optimization.

Other post processing operations 705 will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.Illustrating by example, turning now to FIG. 4 , the one or moreprocessors (109) of the electronic device 100 may present a prompt 401on an exterior display 402 of the electronic device 100 alerting theauthorized user 210 of the electronic device 100 to the fact that arecently applied MIMO antenna array optimization has occurred. In thisillustrative example, the prompt 401 indicates that the physical formfactor of the electronic device 100 has caused an increased correlationbetween antenna elements (121,122,123,124) of the MIMO antenna array(120), and that this may decrease communication speeds. However, it mayalso increase device runtime. In this illustrative example, the prompt401 includes user actuation target allowing the authorized user 210 ofthe electronic device 100 to either accept this operating mode or,alternatively, to obtain help. By touching the help user actuationtarget, the one or more processors (109) may present another promptrequesting that the authorized user 210 transition the electronic device100 from the closed position to the axially displaced open position toreduce the amount of spatial correlation between antenna elements(121,122,123,124) of the MIMO antenna array (120), and so forth.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , illustrated therein is one explanatory method300 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.Beginning at step 301, the method 300 monitors for device state eventsthat may affect the radiation correlation pattern between one or moreantenna element included in a plurality of antenna element defining aMIMO antenna array. Examples of such device state events include achange in form factor of an electronic device, placement of anelectronic device on a surface affecting a radiation pattern of one ormore antenna elements of the MIMO antenna array, or other interactionswith the electronic device that alter radiation correlation patternbetween antenna elements of the MIMO antenna array. Decision 302 thendetermines whether a triggering event altering a radiation correlationpattern between at least two antenna elements of a plurality of antennaelements defining the MIMO antenna array occurs.

At step 303, the method 300 determines a correlation score for eachantenna element of the plurality of antenna elements in response to thedetection of the triggering event at decision 302. In one or moreembodiments, step 303 comprises determining the correlation score foreach antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements defining theMIMO antenna array in both an uplink direction and a downlink direction.As noted above, step 303 can include assigning a predefined correlationscore to a particular antenna element based upon its physical condition,inferring a correlation score from the physical condition of the antennaelement, measuring the correlation score of the antenna element while inthe physical condition, or combinations thereof. Other techniques fordetermining correlation scores will be obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

At step 304, the method 300 creates and/or updates a map of antennaelements available to engage in MIMO communication and stores this mapin the memory of an electronic device. Step 305 can then includeassigning and/or updating correlation scores for each antenna element ofthe MIMO antenna array using an envelope correlation coefficient or“ECC” based upon an identified metric associated with a triggeringevent.

Decision 306 then determines whether a particular antenna element isbeing used in the MIMO communication. If it is, decision 307 determineswhether its correlation score is above a first predefined correlationscore threshold. If it is, it is removed from engagement in the MIMOcommunication at step 309. In one or more embodiments, the firstpredefined correlation score threshold and the second predefinedcorrelation score threshold are the same. In other embodiments, thefirst predefined correlation score threshold is greater than the secondpredefined correlation score threshold.

By contrast, if a particular antenna element is not being used in theMIMO communication, decision 306 determines whether its correlationscore is below a second predefined correlation score threshold. If itis, it is added to the quantity of antenna elements engaged in the MIMOcommunication at step 310. Accordingly, the method 300 of FIG. 3 allowsfor excluding an antenna element in the quantity of antenna elementswhen the correlation score for the antenna element is above a firstpredefined correlation score threshold and including the antenna elementin the quantity of antenna elements when the correlation score for theantenna element is below a second predefined correlation scorethreshold. Moreover, the method 300 allows for replacing a first antennaelement in the quantity of antenna elements with a second antennaelement having a lower correlation with other antenna elements includedin the quantity of antenna elements.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9 , illustrated therein are two additionaltriggering events contemplated by embodiments of the disclosure. In theexample of FIG. 2 above, the electronic device (100) included a firstdevice housing (102) pivotable about a hinge assembly (101) relative toa second device housing (103) between an axially displaced open positionand a closed position. The electronic device (100) included a multipleinput, multiple output antenna array (120) comprising a plurality ofantenna elements (121,122,123,124) configured for MIMO communication(125) across a network (126).

One or more processors (109) operable with the MIMO antenna array (120)then increased a quantity of antenna elements available to engage in theMIMO communication (125) when the electronic device (100) was in theaxially displaced open position and decreased the quantity of antennaelements available to engage in the MIMO communication (125) when theelectronic device (100) was in the closed position. This occurredbecause the plurality of antenna elements (121,122,123,124) comprised atleast two antenna elements (121,122) situated in the first devicehousing (102) and at least two antenna elements (123,124) situated inthe second device housing (103). The one or more processors (109)further determined a correlation score for each antenna element of theplurality of antenna elements (121,122,123,124) and decreased thequantity of antenna elements by removing antenna elements having acorrelation score above a predefined threshold when the electronicdevice (100) was in the closed position.

By contrast, in FIG. 8 an electronic device 800 configured in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure has been placed upon ametal table 801. Regardless of whether the electronic device 800 is ahinged electronic device as was the case in FIG. 1 , a deformableelectronic device as will be described in FIGS. 10-11 below, or a rigid“candy bar” device, embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that suchphysical placement will alter the radiation correlation pattern betweenat least two antenna elements of a plurality of antenna elementsdefining a MIMO antenna array. Accordingly, one or more processors ofthe electronic device can execute a method 803 where they select, inresponse to one or more sensors detecting the triggering event of beingplaced on the metal table 801, a quantity of antenna elements from theplurality of antenna elements available for engagement in the MIMOcommunication across the network as a function of the radiationcorrelation pattern.

Turning now to FIG. 9 , in this example the triggering event isplacement of the electronic device 800 into a purse 900. In thisexample, the purse 900 includes numerous items such as coins 901,medications 902, grooming items such as fingernail files 903, notecards904, keys 905, lotions 906, notepads, lip balm 908, and other items.Some of these items, such as the coins 901 and keys 905, are metal andcan affect the radiation correlation pattern between two antennaelements included in a plurality of antenna elements defining a MIMOantenna array of the electronic device 800. Accordingly, one or moreprocessors of the electronic device can execute a method 909 where theyselect, in response to one or more sensors detecting the triggeringevent of being placed on the metal table 801, a quantity of antennaelements from the plurality of antenna elements available for engagementin the MIMO communication across the network as a function of theradiation correlation pattern.

Turning now to FIGS. 10-11 , illustrated therein is an alternateelectronic device 1000 suitable for use with the dynamic MIMO antennaarray optimization methods described herein. Embodiments of thedisclosure contemplate that an electronic device need not include ahinge for physical form factor alterations to affect a radiationcorrelation pattern between at least two antenna elements of a MIMOantenna array. The electronic device 1000 of FIGS. 10-11 is an alternatedevice that can benefit from the same optimization operations.

The electronic device 1000 of FIG. 10 is again a portable electronicdevice and includes a flexible display 1001. The explanatory electronicdevice 1000 of FIG. 10 also includes a housing 1002 supporting theflexible display 1001. In one or more embodiments, the housing 1002 isflexible. In one embodiment, the housing 1002 may be manufactured from amalleable, bendable, or physically deformable material such as aflexible thermoplastic, flexible composite material, flexible fibermaterial, flexible metal, organic or inorganic textile or polymermaterial, or other materials. Where the housing 1002 is a deformablehousing, it can be manufactured from a single flexible housing member orfrom multiple flexible housing members. In other embodiments, thehousing 1002 could be a composite of multiple components.

In one or more embodiments when the electronic device 1000 is deformedby a bend at a deformable portion 1003 of the electronic device 1000,this alters a radiation correlation pattern between at least two antennaelements of a MIMO antenna array carried by the electronic device 1000.Such a change in form factor therefore constitutes a triggering event.One or more processors of the electronic device 1000 can then increase aquantity of antenna elements selected from the plurality of antennaelements for use in MIMO communication across a network when thetriggering event decreases radiation correlation patterns between atleast two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements.Alternatively, the one or more processors can decrease the quantity ofantenna elements for use in the MIMO communication across the networkwhen the triggering event increases the radiation correlation patternsbetween the at least two antenna elements of the plurality of antennaelements.

The electronic device 1000 is shown in an undeformed configuration inFIG. 10 , and in a fully deformed configuration in FIG. 11 . Morespecifically, the geometry of the electronic device 1000 defines a planein FIG. 10 , while a first device housing portion 1101 is abutting asecond device housing portion 1102 in FIG. 11 . This changes thedistance between antenna element of the MIMO antenna array situated inthe first device housing portion 1101 and the second device housingportion 1102 due to the change in distance between those antennaelements. Accordingly, the method of FIG. 2 or the method (300) of FIG.3 can be applied to the electronic device 1000 to optimize theperformance of the MIMO antenna array as previously described.

Turning now to FIGS. 12-13 , illustrated therein is yet anotherelectronic device 1200 that can benefit from the MIMO antenna arrayoptimization methods described herein. The electronic device 1200 ofFIG. 12 is again a portable electronic device and includes a flexibledisplay 1201. The explanatory electronic device 1200 of FIG. 12 alsoincludes a first device housing 1202 that is slidable relative to asecond device housing 1203. When this occurs, the flexible display 1201rolls within the second device housing 1203 to facilitate the slidingaction.

In one or more embodiments when the electronic device 1200 istransitioned from the open position of FIG. 12 to the closed position ofFIG. 13 , this alters a radiation correlation pattern between at leasttwo antenna elements of a MIMO antenna array carried by the electronicdevice 1200. Such a change in form factor therefore constitutes atriggering event. One or more processors of the electronic device 1200can then increase a quantity of antenna elements selected from theplurality of antenna elements for use in MIMO communication across anetwork when the triggering event decreases radiation correlationpatterns between at least two antenna elements of the plurality ofantenna elements. Alternatively, the one or more processors can decreasethe quantity of antenna elements for use in the MIMO communicationacross the network when the triggering event increases the radiationcorrelation patterns between the at least two antenna elements of theplurality of antenna elements.

Turning now to FIG. 14 , illustrated therein are various embodiments ofthe disclosure. The embodiments of FIG. 14 are shown as labeled boxes inFIG. 14 due to the fact that the individual components of theseembodiments have been illustrated in detail in FIGS. 1-13 , whichprecede FIG. 14 . Accordingly, since these items have previously beenillustrated and described, their repeated illustration is no longeressential for a proper understanding of these embodiments. Thus, theembodiments are shown as labeled boxes.

At 1401, an electronic device comprises a multiple input, multipleoutput (MIMO) antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elementsconfigured for MIMO communication across a network. At 1401, theelectronic device comprises one or more sensors detecting a triggeringevent altering a radiation correlation pattern between at least twoantenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements.

At 1401, the electronic device comprises one or more processors. At1401, the one or more processors select, in response to the one or moresensors detecting the triggering event, a quantity of antenna elementsfrom the plurality of antenna elements available for engagement in theMIMO communication across the network as a function of the radiationcorrelation pattern.

At 1402, the one or more processors of 1401 further determine acorrelation score for each antenna element of the plurality of antennaelements in response to the one or more sensors detecting the triggeringevent. At 1403, the one or more processors of 1402 determine thecorrelation score for each antenna element of the plurality of antennaelements in both an uplink direction and a downlink direction.

At 1404, the one or more processors of 1402 exclude an antenna elementin the quantity of antenna elements when the correlation score for theantenna element is above a first predefined correlation score threshold.At 1405, the one or more processors of 1404 include the antenna elementin the quantity of antenna elements when the correlation score for theantenna element is below a second predefined correlation scorethreshold. At 1406, the first predefined correlation score threshold andthe second predefined correlation score threshold of 1405 are the same.

At 1407, the one or more processors of 1405 include the antenna elementin the quantity of antenna elements when the correlation score for theantenna element is at least one-half wavelength of a MIMO communicationsignal of the MIMO communication different from other correlation scoresof other antenna elements included with the quantity of antennaelements.

At 1408, the electronic device of 1047 further comprises a memoryoperable with the one or more processors. At 1408, the one or moreprocessors further update a map of antenna elements available to engagein the MIMO communication stored in the memory.

At 1409, the electronic device of 1401 comprises a first device housingpivotable about a hinge relative to a second device housing between aclosed position and an axially displaced open position with at least twoantenna elements situated in the first device housing and at least twoother antenna elements situated in the second device housing. At 1409,the triggering event comprises the first device housing pivoting aboutthe hinge relative to the second device housing.

At 1410, the triggering event of 1401 comprises placement of theelectronic device on a surface. At 1412, the one or more processors of1401 select the quantity of antenna elements available for engagement inthe MIMO communication across the network by replacing a first antennaelement in the quantity of antenna elements with a second antennaelement having a lower correlation with other antenna elements includedin the quantity of antenna elements.

At 1412, a method in an electronic device comprises detecting, with oneor more sensors, a triggering event altering a radiation correlationpattern between at least two antenna elements of a plurality of antennaelements defining a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antennaarray. At 1412, the method comprises increasing, using one or moreprocessors in response to the one or more sensors detecting thetriggering event, a quantity of antenna elements selected from theplurality of antenna elements for use in MIMO communication across anetwork when the triggering event decreases radiation correlationpatterns between at least two antenna elements of the plurality ofantenna elements and decreasing, using the one or more processors inresponse to the one or more sensors detecting the triggering event, thequantity of antenna elements for use in the MIMO communication acrossthe network when the triggering event increases the radiationcorrelation patterns between the at least two antenna elements of theplurality of antenna elements.

At 1413, the increasing of 1412 occurs when the triggering eventdecreases the radiation correlation pattern between the at least twoantenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements by at least a halfwavelength of a MIMO communication signal used for the MIMOcommunication across the network.

At 1414, the method of 1412 further comprises determining a polarizationof the at least two antenna elements. At 1414, the increasing occurswhen the triggering event decreases the radiation correlation patternbetween the at least two antenna elements only when a first polarizationof a first antenna element is rotated relative to a second polarizationof a second antenna element by at least a predefined rotation threshold.

At 1415, the method of 1412 further comprises updating, with the one ormore processors in a memory of the electronic device, updating a map ofantenna elements available for engagement in the MIMO communication. At1416, the method of 1412 further comprises dynamically maintaining atable of correlation scores for each antenna element of the plurality ofantenna elements by updating the table of correlation scores in responseto the triggering event.

At 1417, an electronic device comprises a first device housing pivotableabout a hinge relative to a second device housing between an axiallydisplaced open position and a closed position. At 1417, the electronicdevice comprises a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antenna arraycomprising a plurality of antenna elements configured for MIMOcommunication across a network.

At 1417, the electronic device comprises one or more processors. At1417, the one or more processors are operable with the MIMO antennaarray and increase a quantity of antenna elements available to engage inthe MIMO communication when the electronic device is in the axiallydisplaced open position, while decreasing the quantity of antennaelements available to engage in the MIMO communication when theelectronic device is in the closed position.

At 1418, the plurality of antenna elements of 1417 comprising at leasttwo antenna elements situated in the first device housing and at leasttwo antenna elements situated in the second device housing. At 1419, theone or more processors of 1417 determine a correlation score for eachantenna element of the plurality of antenna elements, with the one ormore processors decreasing the quantity of antenna elements by removingantenna elements having a correlation score above a predefinedthreshold. At 1420, the predefined threshold of 1419 is defined by ahalf wavelength of a MIMO communication signal used in the MIMOcommunication.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forthin the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosurehave been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure isnot so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the following claims.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a multipleinput, multiple output (MIMO) antenna array; and one or more processorsselecting a quantity of antenna elements of the MIMO antenna array forengagement in MIMO communication across a network as a function of aradiation correlation pattern in response to a change in the radiationcorrelation pattern.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, the MIMOantenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements.
 3. Theelectronic device of claim 1, the one or more processors furtherdetermining a correlation score for each antenna element of the MIMOantenna array in response to the change in the radiation correlationpattern.
 4. The electronic device of claim 3, the one or more processorsdetermining the correlation score for the each antenna element in bothan uplink direction and a downlink direction.
 5. The electronic deviceof claim 3, the one or more processors excluding an antenna element inthe quantity of antenna elements when the correlation score for theantenna element is above a first predefined correlation score threshold.6. The electronic device of claim 5, the one or more processorsincluding the antenna element in the quantity of antenna elements whenthe correlation score for the antenna element is below a secondpredefined correlation score threshold.
 7. The electronic device ofclaim 6, wherein the first predefined correlation score threshold andthe second predefined correlation score threshold are the same.
 8. Theelectronic device of claim 5, the one or more processors including theantenna element in the quantity of antenna elements when the correlationscore for the antenna element is at least one-half wavelength of a MIMOcommunication signal of the MIMO communication different from othercorrelation scores of other antenna elements included with the quantityof antenna elements.
 9. The electronic device of claim 8, furthercomprising a memory operable with the one or more processors, the one ormore processors further updating a map of antenna elements available toengage in the MIMO communication stored in the memory.
 10. Theelectronic device of claim 1, the electronic device comprising a firstdevice housing pivotable about a hinge relative to a second devicehousing between a closed position and an axially displaced openposition.
 11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein at least twoantenna elements are situated in the first device housing and at leasttwo other antenna elements situated in the second device housing.
 12. Amethod in an electronic device, the method comprising: increasing, usingone or more processors, a quantity of antenna elements selected from amultiple output (MIMO) antenna array for use in MIMO communicationacross a network when radiation correlation patterns between at leasttwo antenna elements of the MIMO antenna array decrease; and decreasing,using the one or more processors, the quantity of antenna elements foruse in the MIMO communication across the network when the radiationcorrelation patterns between the at least two antenna elements of theMIMO antenna array increase.
 13. The method of claim 12, the increasingoccurring when a triggering event decreases the radiation correlationpatterns between the at least two antenna elements of the MIMO antennaarray by at least a half wavelength of a MIMO communication signal usedfor the MIMO communication across the network.
 14. The method of claim12, further comprising determining a polarization of the at least twoantenna elements.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprisingupdating, with the one or more processors in a memory of the electronicdevice, a map of antenna elements available for engagement in the MIMOcommunication.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprisingdynamically maintaining a table of correlation scores for each antennaelement of the MIMO antenna array.
 17. An electronic device, comprising:a first device housing pivotable about a hinge relative to a seconddevice housing between an axially displaced open position and a closedposition; a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antenna array; andone or more processors operable with the MIMO antenna array, the one ormore processors increasing a quantity of antenna elements available toengage in MIMO communication when the electronic device is in theaxially displaced open position and decreasing the quantity of antennaelements available to engage in the MIMO communication when theelectronic device is in the closed position.
 18. The electronic deviceof claim 17, the MIMO antenna array comprising at least one antennaelement situated in the first device housing and at least one antennaelement situated in the second device housing.
 19. The electronic deviceof claim 17, the one or more processors further determining acorrelation score for each antenna element of the MIMO antenna array.20. The electronic device of claim 19, the one or more processorsdecreasing the quantity of antenna elements by removing antenna elementshaving a correlation score above a predefined threshold.